Overview
- Connolly took the constitutional declaration in Irish, read by Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell, signed it, and received the Seal of Office as a 21‑gun salute sounded from Collins Barracks.
- Ceremonial elements included prayers and music, an 83‑person Defence Forces guard of honour, an inspection as Supreme Commander, and a four‑aircraft Air Corps flypast.
- She pledged to ensure all voices are heard, highlighted peace and Ireland’s neutrality, decried the normalisation of war and genocide, praised the Good Friday Agreement and referenced the consent‑based goal of Irish unity.
- Attendees included former presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, while some Stormont figures did not attend due to Remembrance Day commitments.
- Her landslide October victory brought about 63% of first‑preference votes after a turbulent campaign that saw Jim Gavin withdraw from canvassing and a record 213,738 spoiled ballots; her elevation triggers a Galway West by‑election within six months, with first‑day visits scheduled to a Dublin Gaelscoil, a Meath resource centre and a Galway nursing unit.